PHOENIX, ARIZ. (August 6, 2011) – Despite a fourth quarter comeback the Chicago Rush (14-6) fell to the Arizona Rattlers (18-2) 54-48 in the National Conference Championship game at the US Airways Center on Saturday night in front of 6,886 fans.
The game was riddled with turnovers for the Rush as the team turned the ball over five times throughout the course of the game. Rush QB JJ Raterink finished the game going 19 for 32 with two interceptions.
The contest opened with the two teams exchanging fumbles before the Rattlers’ offense settled in allowing QB Nick Davila to connect with WR Chris Jackson for a four-yard touchdown reception. Rush DB Jason Simpson answered immediately with a 56-yard kickoff return for a touchdown of his own. However, the Rattlers offense was able to score on a 14-yard touchdown pass to WR Jason Geathers before the play clock ran out and the first quarter ended at a score of 14-6.
The Rush began the 2nd quarter with a touchdown scored by QB JJ Raterink, but failed to score on the two point conversion attempt. Reggie Gray also got into the act in the second period with a 23-yard touchdown reception. He finished the game as the Rush’s leading receiver with seven receptions for 101 yards and three touchdowns. However, the Rattlers maintained their lead with a one-yard touchdown run by FB Odie Armstrong. The Rush defense held strong through the remainder of the half forcing a failed 27-yard field goal attempt by Jason Witzcak. The Rattlers led at the close of the half 28-19.
Raterink and the offense opened the second half with a strong start before throwing an interception in the red zone. Arizona quickly capitalized on the Rush miscue with an 11-yard touchdown reception by Chris Jackson. After a fumble on a pitch out to FB Johnie Kirton, the Rattlers capitalized again with Jason Geathers’ third touchdown of the night at the end of the third quarter.
Rush DB Vic Hall took the game into his own hands with an interception to start the 4th quarter. The Rush offense was able to score for the first time in the second half with a 30-yard touchdown pass from back-up QB Dominic Randolph to Reggie Gray. Randolph went 2 for 5 with an interception. The Rush defense held strong and forced the Rattlers’ to turn the ball over on downs at the four-yard line. Rush FB Marcus Waugh reached the end zone on his first attempt, and the Rush converted on the two-point attempt to bring the score within a touchdown. However, the Rattlers came back to deliver on a five-yard touchdown pass to Chris Jackson. The Rush scored again with a touchdown pass to Derek Lee with 0:06 remaining on the clock. The Rush lined up for an onside kick, so in response so did the Rattlers. But then the Rush kicked it deep, it hit off the rebound net and a pile of players went for the ball. It turns out the refs reviewed the play and the rattlers recovered after it went out of bounds. What could of been one of the greatest comebacks in the history of sports and an ArenaBowl berth turns into a heartbreaking loss. If the Rush wouldn't of have buried themselves so deep early in the game, they would be in the ArenaBowl.
The Rattlers will advance to host ArenaBowl XXIV on Friday, August 12th.
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